Cherry tree named &#39;TARDILAM&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of cherry tree denominated ‘TARDILAM’ has fruits with important fruit set, that ripen late to very late in the season, with large size and homogenous bright red fruit skin, very firm, and with a good and semi-sweet to balanced flavor and eating quality; the fruit is further characterized by its good handling and storage qualities.

This application claims priority of Community plant variety right No.2018/3675 filed on Nov. 29, 2018 (Nov. 29, 2018) which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Prunus avium(L.) L.

Variety denomination: ‘TARDILAM’.

The new variety named ‘TARDILAM’ is also known as 6N.20-2.82.15 CE orASF1614. Indeed, before giving a name to a new and distinct variety offruit tree, a provisional reference is assigned, considering thereferences of a tree in orchard. This provisional reference isconstituted firstly with the number of the parcel on which the tree hasgrown, then the number of the line, the tree number and usually the yearof selection. Then before being named ‘TARDILAM’, the provisionalreference of this cherry tree variety was 6N.20-2.82, corresponding tothe tree 82 located in line 20-2 of the parcel 6N. The letters “CE” arerelated to the first letters of the type of tree in French (CE for“CErise”, that means “cherry”). Once the hybrid selected, the breederassigned a clone reference that begins with the letters “ASF” followedby the year of selection and a number corresponding to the maturityorder. The final name is only assigned once the application has beenfiled and the name approved after its publication in the officialbulletin. For the variety ‘TARDILAM’, the clone reference was ‘ASF1614’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and reproduction oforchard trees, among which peaches, nectarines, apricots, apples, andcherries are exemplary. It was against this background of our activitiesthat the present variety of cherry tree was originated and reproduced byus in our experimental orchard located near Elne, Pyrénées Orientales,France.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new a distinct variety of cherry treePrunus avium L. which has been given the variety denomination‘TARDILAM’. This tree produces fruits with a long shelf life withoutalteration both on the trees after growth completion and afterharvesting, very good eating quality with a cream to slightly yellowcolored flesh, and for fresh market in June in the Pyrénées Orientalesdepartment, France.

Contrast is made to ‘SWEETHEART® SUMTARE’ cherry tree (not patented) forreliable description. ‘TARDILAM’ is a promising candidate for commercialsuccess in that it produces very attractive fruits having a long shelflife.

The present new variety of cherry tree (Prunus avium L.) was developedby us in our experimental orchard located in France. ‘TARDILAM’ cherrytree originated in a cultivated area of the South of France, in thePyrénées-Orientales department where it was also tested. This zone alsocalled Roussillon is subject to a Mediterranean climate. The winter isgenerally sweet that is to say the total amount of cold hours lower than7° C. (Celsius) varies from 600 hours to 1200 hours. The summer is hotand dry, that is to say the total amount of sunshine hours is an averageof 2400 hours to 2800 hours per year. The prevailing wind is called“Tramontane”: it dries the air and clear the sky from clouds, but itsintensity can be strong and affect the harvest, fruits quantity and/orquality. Marine moisture does not affect the place. Precipitations areirregular through the year and from one year to another. The amount ofrainy days does not exceed 80 days per year and are mostly found inSpring and Autumn. In May and October, very intense precipitationsoccasionally happen, and the summer is dry with a few thunderstorms.

The ‘TARDILAM’ variety resulted from a from pollinated cross between thecherry tree named ‘FIRELAM’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 25,564) which was usedas the seed parent, or female parent, and the ‘SWEETHEART® SUMTARE’variety (not patented) which was used as the pollen parent, or maleparent.

The ‘TARDILAM’ variety was obtained by hybridizing and propagated bygrafting on a ‘Maxma14’ (non-patented) rootstock trees. It has beendetermined to have unique tree and fruits characteristics making itworthy for commercial fresh fruits production. There are no knowneffects of the standard rootstock tree set forth above on the scioncultivar. Asexually propagated plants remained true to the original treeand all characteristics of the tree and the fruit were transmitted. Theplant was asexually reproduced by us in Les Régalines, Route d'Alenya,La Prade de Mousseillous, 66200 ELNE, Pyrénées Orientales, France. Moreparticularly, the plant was reproduced by grafting.

Compared to the fruits produced by the cherry variety named ‘SWEETHEART®SUMTARE’ (not patented), that show a size usually between 28 and 29 anda weight of approximately 10 grams, the ‘TARDILAM’ variety producesfruits with bigger size, typically 29-30, and heavier with a weight ofapproximately 11 grams.

Also, the variety named ‘SWEETHEART® SUMTARE’ produces firm fruits witha good preservation, whereas the fruits of the new variety ‘TARDILAM’are considered very firm, with a very good preservation.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The new variety ‘TARDILAM’ produces fruits of large size, very firm,with a semi-sweet flavor, low acidity, and colored with a homogenousbright red blush covering 100% of the skin surface. The blooming periodis early to medium for the variety, generally at the end of March orearly in April. The maturity period is considered late to very late, andgenerally begins in June, in the South of France. However, it wasobserved that its early date of blooming and maturity seems to be highlydependant on climatic conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of the new varietyas depicted in color as nearly true as is reasonably possible in colorillustrations of this character. These specimens were obtained at theElne Experiment Station, South of France.

FIG. 1 is a color photograph which shows a view of a tree of the newvariety in orchard at blooming time.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph which shows a close view of a branch of thenew variety in orchard at blooming time, with bunches of flowers.

FIG. 3 shows typical white flowers of ‘TARDILAM’ variety at blooming fordepicting the flower buds at different stages of development; and thereverse and side views of the flowers and the reproductive organs withpetals removed, of the new variety, also named ‘6N.20-2.82.15CE ASF1614’.

FIG. 4 is a color photograph that shows a close view of typical fruitsof the new variety ‘TARDILAM’ at ripening time.

The enclosed photographs show plants in their fifth growing season (fouryear of production) for flowers and fruits, and plants in their sixthgrowing season (five year of production) for trees.

Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves andfruits depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate whencompared to the actual botanical specimen.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofcherry tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observations ofspecimens grown near Elne, South of France, with color in accordancewith The R.H.S. (Royal Horticultural Society) Colour Chart (FourthEdition) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

The trees, flowers and fruits may vary in slight detail due tovariations in soil type, cultural practices and climatic conditions.

The main characteristics of this new variety of sweet cherry are a bigfruit size with a bright red colored skin. The color of fruit flesh ispink red. The fruit is very firm.

The time of beginning of flowering is early to medium whereas the timeof beginning of fruit ripening is considered late to very late.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new anddistinct variety of cherry tree, the following has been observed ontrees on their fifth growing season (four year of production) except forthe tree and trunk that have been observed on trees on their sixthgrowing season (five year of production) under the ecological conditionsprevailing at the orchards located near the town of Elne,Pyrénées-Orientales department, France.

All observations have been done on rootstock cultivar. The rootstock wasa ‘MAXMA14’ tree. All major color code designations are by reference toThe R.H.S. (Royal Horticultural Society) Colour Chart 2001 (FourthEdition) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

-   Tree:-   Generally: The first year the cherry tree is generally cut at 2.50    meters height. The length in one year for each lateral shoot varies    from 0.60 meters to 0.80 meters. We are cutting the cherry trees    during the second year to a height of 2.50 meters. The form of the    cheery trees is cylindrical, and the diameter is limited to 1 meter.    -   -   Size.—Medium to high as compared to other commercial sweet            cherry cultivars. The tree size the first year was            approximately 2.50 meters. The tree was pruned during each            following dormant season to a height of approximately 2.50            meters. Current season's shoots growth could reach 0.60 to            0.80 meters. So, the tree size from the second year (second            and next years) reached a final height of 3.10 to 3.30            meters. The mature branches have been pruned to a length of            30.0 centimeters in order to place nets on the trees.        -   Spread.—Approximately 2.0 meters with a cylindrical shape.            The whole orchard was oriented to a central leader            organization, with tree lines spaced of 4.0 meters and trees            spaced of 1 meter in a same tree line.        -   Vigor.—Medium, tree growth reaching 0.60 to 0.80 meters the            first growing season.        -   Productivity.—Good productivity, every year. The new variety            produces adequate fruit set annually on a regular basis. The            number of the fruit set varies with the prevailing climatic            conditions and cultivar practices employed during the bloom            period and is therefore not distinctive of the present            variety.        -   Bearer.—Very regular and quantitative. The extinction of the            clusters of May improves the size and firmness of the fruit.        -   Form.—Semi-spread.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of France            and especially where the chilling requirement is between 350            and 1200 hours. No injury with temperatures as low as            −12° C. in winter. Good resistance to late frosts. More            particularly, experimentations on the same orchard in Elne,            Pyrénées-Orientales department, with winter chilling            requirement below 7.2° C. comprised between 700 hours and            1200 hours according to the specificities of the year,            namely 1031 hours in 2012-2013, 777 hours in 2013-2014, 893            hours in 2014-2015, 718 hours in 2015-2016, 825 hours in            2016-2017, 1017 hours in 2017-2018, and 844 hours in            2018-2019 showed a good behavior of the tree in all cases.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Approximately 74.0 to 79.0 millimeters above            20.0 centimeters from ground, on 6^(th) growing season.        -   Bark texture.—Rough with reliefs due to the lenticels.        -   Lenticels.—High number of lenticels. The number of lenticels            reaches 10 lenticels per 10 cm². At the 6^(th) growing            season, lenticels are 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters in height and            4.5 to 5.5 millimeters in width.        -   Lenticels color.—Color of lenticels is light orange (RHS            GREYED ORANGE 164 B or RHS GREYED ORANGE 165 B).        -   Bark color.—Color of bark is brown (RHS BROWN 200 B) to grey            (RHS GREY 201 A).-   Mature branches:    -   -   Size.—Medium for the branches at the 6^(th) growing season.        -   Diameter.—Average diameter of 9.0 to 11.0 millimeters.        -   Crotch angles.—The crotch angles are generally 70 degrees            from the vertical axis. This particular characteristic is            not considered distinctive of the variety, however.        -   Internode.—Between 36.0 and 40.0 millimeters.        -   Color.—Old growth is grey (RHS GREY 201 A).        -   Surface texture.—Rough with medium lenticels, similar as            bark texture. Wood that is several years old has no furrowed            appearance.        -   Lenticels.—The number of lenticels on mature branches            reaches 1 lenticel per cm². The lenticel height is            approximately 1.5 millimeter and the lenticel width is            approximately 2.5 millimeters. The lenticels are stretched            round in shape with a diameter of about 2.5 millimeters.        -   Lenticel color.—The lenticels on mature branches have a            beige color (RHS GREYED ORANGE 164 B).-   Current season shoots:    -   -   Size.—Medium for the new growth.        -   Diameter.—Considered medium. Average diameter of about 6.0            to 8.0 millimeters.        -   Surface texture.—Smooth. Wood that is several years old has            no furrowed appearance.        -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, but            the crotch angles are generally 40 degrees from the vertical            axis. This particular characteristic is not considered            distinctive of the variety, however.        -   Internode.—Considered short. Generally from 19.0 millimeters            to 24.0 millimeters length.        -   Color.—Green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 A) to light brown (RHS            GREY BROWN 199 A) on lower part of new growth, whereas the            upper part is darker and colored in brown (RHS GREY BROWN            N199 B).-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Medium to large for the species. Leaf measurements            have been taken from vigorous, upright, current-season            growth at approximately mid-shoot. The ratio leaf            length/leaf width is 2.266.        -   Length.—Average length with petiole is 153.33 millimeters.        -   Width.—Average width is 67.67 millimeters.        -   Leaf form in cross view.—Concave.        -   Leaf form.—Entire.        -   Apex.—Caudate.        -   Leaf base.—Acute.        -   Leaf margins.—Undulating.        -   Form.—Considered crenate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Uniformity.—Leaves are identical.-   Leaf color:    -   -   Upper leaf surface.—Green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 147 A).        -   Lower surface.—A lighter green than the upper leaf surface            (RHS YELLOW GREEN 146 A or RHS YELLOW GREEN 147 B).        -   Leaf texture.—Both surfaces of leaves are smooth, without            any pubescence.        -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.-   Mid-vein:    -   -   Width.—Approximately 2.0 millimeters.        -   Color.—Light green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 145 A) and evolves with            maturity.-   Secondary veins:    -   -   Color.—Green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 A).-   Leaf petioles:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium to large.        -   Length.—About 39.0 to 47.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—About 2.0 to 2.5 millimeters.        -   Shape.—Grooved.        -   Color.—The upper surface of petiole is considered purple to            brown (RHS GREYED PURPLE N186 C) whereas the lower surface            is green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 146 B to RHS YELLOW GREEN 146 C).        -   Ratio blade length/petiole length.—More or less 3.0.-   Leaf glands:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium.        -   Length.—The length of leaf glands is about 3.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—The width of leaf glands is about 2.0 millimeters.        -   Number.—Generally 2.        -   Type.—Reniform.        -   Margins.—Smooth and regular.        -   Position.—Alternate on the upper part of petiole.        -   Color.—On young leaves, the leaf glands are colored in            orange red (RHS ORANGE RED N34 A). On older leaves, leaf            gland color is considered brown (RHS BROWN 200 A), depending            on the leaf age.-   Leaf stipules:    -   -   Generally.—No leaf stipules were observed.-   Flowers:-   Flower buds:    -   -   Generally.—At pre-floral stage of development, the floral            bunches are made up with 3 to 4 floral buds having a round            shape with a round tip. Their form is evolving until            blooming, with variables dimensions. Then, just before            blooming, floral buds show a width comprised between 8.0 and            9.0 millimeters and are approximately 17.0 to 18.0            millimeters long.        -   Distribution of flower buds.—The distribution of the flower            buds is considered homogenous on the trees.        -   Color.—This characteristic is dependent upon the proximity            to bloom. At pre-floral stage of development, the bottom of            the flower's buds, or calyx, or flower receptacle, is of            green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 B to RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 C) to            slightly brown color (RHS GREYED ORANGE 166 B or RHS GREYED            ORANGE 166 C) at the outer surface. The inner surface of the            calyx is considered greenish yellow (RHS YELLOW GREEN 153 A            or RHS YELLOW GREEN 153 B). Above the calyx, the corolla,            formed by petals, is generally pure white (RHS WHITE 155 D)            on both upper and lower surfaces.        -   Hardiness.—The buds are considered hardy under typical            central Pyrénées-Orientales department climatic conditions.            No winter injury was noted during the last several years of            evaluation in the central Pyrénées-Orientales department,            with winter temperatures as low as −10° C. in January. The            current variety has not been intentionally subjected to            drought or heat stress, but the variety showed a very good            resistance in orchard to temperatures up to 42° C. with an            average temperature between 28° C. and 30° C. during 3 weeks            in summer.        -   Date of bloom.—Generally late March or early in April. The            first bloom was observed from April 7^(th) until Apr.            15, 2016. Then, next bloom took place from March 20^(th)            until Mar. 30, 2017, and then from April 2^(nd) until Apr.            12, 2018.        -   Blooming time.—Considered early to medium relative            comparison to other commercial cherry cultivars grown in the            Pyrénées-Orientales department, France. The date of full            bloom is observed at the middle of the blooming period. The            date of bloom varies slightly with climatic conditions and            cultural practices.        -   Blooming period.—Approximately 9 to 11 days. This            characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic            conditions.        -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type            flower (rosette).        -   Flower size.—Considered medium. Average diameter between            34.0 and 36.0 millimeters when totally opened.        -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant or very abundant,            between 230 and 280 flowers per meter.        -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally 3 to 4 flower buds appear            per node.        -   Fragrance.—Soft.-   Petal:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the species.        -   Length.—Generally between 16.0 and 17.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Generally between 14.0 and 15.0 millimeters.        -   Petal form.—Round.        -   Petal count.—Usually 5.        -   Petal texture.—Both petal surfaces have a smooth texture.        -   Petal margins.—Slightly undulated.        -   Petal apex.—The petal apex has a wide dome shaped.        -   Petal color.—Pure white color (RHS WHITE 155 D) on both            surfaces.        -   Fragrance.—Very soft.        -   Arrangements of petals.—Intermediate.-   Petal claw:    -   -   Form.—The claw is considered to have a narrow form.        -   Length.—Approximately 1.0 to 1.5 millimeters.        -   Width.—Approximately 1.5 millimeters.        -   Color.—White (RHS WHITE 155 D).-   Flower pedicel:    -   -   Length.—Considered medium to long and having an average            length of approximately 17.0 to 21.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Average 1.0 to 1.5 millimeters.        -   Color.—Green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 A).-   Calyx:    -   -   Internal surface texture.—Smooth.        -   Color.—At the stage F of blooming, when the flower is open,            the inner surface of the calyx, or flower receptacle, is of            greenish yellow color (RHS YELLOW GREEN N144 A or RHS YELLOW            GREEN 151 A). The outer surface of the calyx is also            considered green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 145 A) or brown color            (RHS GREYED ORANGE 175 A).-   Sepals:    -   -   Surface texture.—The outer and inner surfaces of the sepals            have a smooth texture.        -   Size.—Usually considered medium.        -   Length.—Approximately 6.0 to 7.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Approximately 4.0 to 5.0 millimeters.        -   Shape.—Conic with a round tip.        -   Color.—The upper surface is green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 B to            RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 C) or brown color (RHS GREYED ORANGE            175 A). The lower surface of the sepals is considered green            color (RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 B to RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 C).        -   Number of sepals.—Generally 5, no overlapping.        -   Sepal margins.—Smooth.-   Stamens:    -   -   Average number of stamens per flower.—Between 29 and 32            stamens per flower.        -   Stamen.—Size compared to petals. The size of stamens is            smaller than the size of petals.        -   Length.—Approximately 10.0 to 12.0 millimeters, generally            equivalent to pistil's length or slightly smaller, when            considered without the ovary.        -   Color.—White (RHS WHITE 155 B or RHS WHITE 155 C).-   Anthers:    -   -   Length.—Medium.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 1.0 millimeter.        -   Form.—Cordate.        -   Color.—Yellow color (RHS YELLOW 11A). The color evolves with            flowering.        -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant and has a yellow color            (RHS YELLOW 11 A) that varies with maturity. The fertility            has been checked and the ‘TARDILAM’ variety is self-fertile            (or self pollinating).-   Pistil:    -   -   Number.—Usually 1.        -   Length.—Approximately from 15.0 to 16.0 millimeters            including the ovary, that is equivalent to stamens length or            slightly higher.        -   Color.—Considered green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 145 B or RHS            YELLOW GREEN 145 C). The color may evolve with flowering.        -   Surface texture.—Glabrous.        -   Pubescence.—Absent.        -   Stigma.—Approximately 1.0 millimeter in diameter, with an            elliptic shape and a greenish yellow color (RHS YELLOW GREEN            N 144 A).        -   Ovary.—Approximately 2.5 to 3.0 millimeters in height. The            diameter of the ovary is about 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters. The            color is considered green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 A).-   Type of reproduction: Self-pollination.-   Pollinator: This variety is self-fertile so no need to be pollinated    by other cherry varieties.-   Fruits:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Very firm at maturity.        -   Date of first picking.—Jun. 13, 2015. The date of picking            varies slightly with climatic conditions.        -   Date of last picking.—Last known picking times carry on from            June 13^(th) to Jun. 17, 2015, then from June 18^(th) to            Jun. 24, 2017, then from June 6^(th) to Jun. 12, 2018.        -   Ripening period.—The ‘TARDILAM’ variety has a late to very            late date time of beginning of fruit ripening. The ripening            period lasts approximately 5 to 7 days.-   Size:    -   -   Generally.—Considered large, with a homogeneous size between            them, size 29-30.        -   Average cheek diameter.—About 24.0 to 26.0 millimeters.        -   Average axial diameter.—About 28.0 to 30.0 millimeters.        -   Typical weight.—Generally about 11.0 grams. The medium            weight is approximately 10.7 grams. This characteristic is            highly dependent upon the prevailing cultural practices, and            therefore is not particularly distinctive of the variety.-   Fruit form:    -   -   Generally.—Reniform to round.        -   Fruit suture.—Absent.-   Ventral surface:    -   -   Form.—Smooth.        -   Apex.—Slightly in depression.        -   Base.—Slightly in depression.        -   Stem cavity.—Flared and shallow. Average depth of the stem            cavity is 0.81 to 1.1 millimeters. Average width is about            6.0 to 7.0 millimeters.-   Fruit skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Considered medium thick and strong.        -   Tenacity.—The adherence of skin to flesh is considered            strong, depending on maturity stage.        -   Texture.—Smooth and glabrous.        -   Taste.—Semi-sweet.        -   Tendency to crack.—None.-   Color:    -   -   Blush color.—The fruit skin is colored with a homogenous            bright red (RHS RED 46 A) covering 100% of the fruit skin            surface.-   Fruit stem:    -   -   Size.—Medium for the variety.        -   Length.—Approximately 34.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Average diameter is 1.5 millimeters.        -   Color.—Light green (RHS YELLOW GREEN 144 A).-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Homogenously and slowly. The flesh has a long shelf            life.        -   Texture.—Considered dense, crunchy and melting.        -   Fibers.—No fibers.        -   Firmness.—Considered firm to very firm.        -   Aroma.—Good presence.        -   Eating quality.—Good to very good. The taste is considered            semi-sweet.        -   Flavor.—Semi-sweet, aromatic. Low acidic level.        -   Juice.—Good amount.        -   Brix.—Between 17.0 and 18.5 with a medium Brix of            approximately 18.0 varies slightly with amount of fruit per            tree and climatic conditions.        -   Color of juice.—Pink color (RHS RED 36 A).        -   Color of flesh.—Pink red (RHS ORANGE RED N34 A) and the            color of flesh in the stone cavity and around the stone            cavity is similar.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Freestone at fruits picking.        -   Size.—Small to medium for the variety.        -   Length.—Approximately 10.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Approximately 8.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 6.0 millimeters.        -   Form.—Round.        -   Base.—Generally round.        -   Apex.—Round.        -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is beige (RHS GREYED            YELLOW 161 D).        -   Stone cavity.—Small to medium, with a form and dimensions            corresponding to the stone's dimensions.-   Stone surface:    -   -   Surface texture.—Smooth.        -   Ridges.—None, smooth.        -   Tendency to split.—Splitting is absent.-   Ventral edge:    -   -   Width.—Very shallow, more or less 0.5 millimeter.-   Dorsal edge:    -   -   Shape.—Full, without any relief.        -   Tendency to split.—None.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—Small.        -   Length.—Approximately 7.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Approximately 5.0 millimeters.        -   Thickness.—Approximately 4.0 millimeters.        -   Form.—Round.        -   Pellicle.—Not pubescent, smooth.        -   Color.—The kernel skin is light cream (RHS GREYED YELLOW 162            C). The almond, which is the seed of the kernel, is white            (RHS WHITE 155 D) and has a bitter taste. The kernel and its            embryo are mature at the time of fruit maturity.-   Use: Dessert. Fresh products.    -   -   Market.—Local and long distance. On the tree fruits can stay            10 days while keeping good gustative qualities. The lifetime            after picking is also good.-   Keeping quality: Good, held well for 30 days in cold storage at    2° C. and maintained good appearance and eating quality.-   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal bruising or scarring during    picking, packing and shipping trials.-   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: Specific tests were    run and ‘TARDILAM’ variety seems to be low sensitive to pathologies,    to rupture and to conservation pathologies. The present new variety    of cherry tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit herein described may    vary in slight detail due to climate, soil conditions and cultural    practices under which the variety may be grown. The present    description is that of the variety grown under the ecological    conditions prevailing near Elne, Pyrénées Orientales (66), France    (FR).

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of cherry tree, substantially asillustrated and described, characterized by its important fruit set, itslate to very late ripening, its fruits and especially by its large size,its homogenous bright red fruit skin, its important firmness, good andsemi-sweet flavor and eating quality; the fruit is further characterizedby its good handling and storage qualities.